Smoking or vaping (e-cigarettes) is using an electronic device to inhale a liquid solution that contains nicotine, often with other chemicals such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol, plus flavours, to create an aerosol called ‘vapour’ which people inhale. Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco because it doesn’t involve burning, which produces toxins that cause serious illness and death. There is no current evidence that second-hand vapour is dangerous to others. However, there are concerns about the ingredients in e-liquids which can include nicotine, chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems, as well as potentially dangerous solvents and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and nickel.
The health risks associated with vaping haven’t been studied much yet because they are a newer technology. But it is thought that they are likely to be less harmful than smoking, especially in people who have already made the decision not to smoke traditional cigarettes.
Studies have shown that e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, and for some people this is very successful. But it is important that people are aware of the downsides of vaping, and they should also consider a range of other options to stop smoking such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or support from a local stop smoking service.
A small number of people who start vaping are not able to quit and may find they become dependent on the e-liquid they are using, or it is too hard for them to give up. These people are at risk of addiction and it is possible that they could end up smoking cigarettes, which have higher levels of nicotine and other harmful chemicals. There are also risks of explosions from batteries in vaping devices, and some chemicals used in e-liquids can be toxic if they come into contact with skin or lungs.
Many people who smoke notice that their breath and teeth improve when they switch to vaping, because the vapor does not contain the same harsh chemicals as cigarette smoke. Switching to vaping also reduces the amount of tar in the lungs, which causes poor air quality and makes it harder to breathe. Try and get advise from professionals in a shop at cloud 9 vape stores lawrenceville ga.
There is no evidence that e-cigarettes increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, but this research is ongoing. Studies are needed to see if there is any increased risk of bladder or lung cancer, or whether other diseases such as diabetes are affected.
The good news is that there are many alternatives to smoking, and making the switch is often easier than people expect. People can make a plan to quit and get the support they need from a doctor, midwife or local stop smoking service. They can decide why they want to quit and write it down or put it in their phone, and they can pick a day to stop vaping – for example when they are going to be away from home and the temptation of a cigarette will be greater. They can chew sugar-free gum or lollipops to distract themselves from cravings and they can tell supportive friends and family that they will be quitting on their chosen date.